Apr 15, 2019
UCCE is excited to present our 2018 Annual Report, demonstrating our commitment to education, research-based information and technical expertise in Sonoma County. Our annual report highlights UCCE's research and education impacts, which enhance quality of life and the environmental and economic well-being of the residents of Sonoma County. Our UCCE advisors and County staff continue to bring the highest quality of science to address local issues, especially related to wildfire recovery. 
In addition to our ongoing UCCE programs, we have continued to expand our programs to address the aftermath of the 2017 wildfires. We provided guidance by compiling science-based information to help landowners address fire fuel reductions, and assist with better agriculture preparedness. A variety of educational workshops covering topics such as best practices for home gardening, prescribed burns, grazing and other vegetation management tools have been held around the County for property owners and homeowners. The UCCE Sonoma website provided recovery resources for residents impacted by natural disasters.
Good Fire Alliance
To respond to the need for timely science-based wildfire recovery information, UCCE launched efforts to create a Prescribed Burning and Grazing Association. The “Good Fire Alliance” (GFA) is a collaborative effort with landowners, County departments, agencies and NGOs that will develop plans for prescribed burns and grazing as a fire fuel management tool. UCCE also collaborated with Sonoma County Animal Control and UC Davis, to create an animal evacuation plan.
Firewise Landscaping
The UCCE Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County created a team that developed firewise landscaping educational materials after the October 2017 wildfires and has been offering workshops, presentations and information tables at events. Master Gardeners implemented programs that promote sustainable home gardening landscape practices and community-based locally grown food in home, neighborhood and school settings, with a particular focus on minority and ethnic food diversity.
Recovery & Resiliency
In 2018, we facilitated a team that hosted an emergency food response gathering to look at the local response during the fires that resulted in a published summary report and inclusion of language around emergency food availability in the County of Sonoma Recovery and Resiliency Framework. In addition, UCCE Sonoma is facilitating the “Produce Safety After Urban Wildfire” team which is researching post urban wildfire food safety and soil health. UCCE Sonoma is a founding member of the Sonoma County Food Recovery Coalition which launched a Food Distribution Directory to facilitate the connection of recovered food to food distribution organizations as well as a tri-fold brochure to educate businesses about of food recovery.
UCCE has the talent on our team to address challenges facing the agricultural industry, expand opportunities for our youth, and develop leaders in our rural and urban communities. With the UCCE and County's continuing partnership, these opportunities will continue for generations to come. Read our 2018 Annual Report online.